Nice to see a pair of obscure Jack Nicholson films, DRIVE HE SAID (a Nicholson directed film) and A SAFE PLACE being released, as both never had a VHS release. Still weird they throw in LAST PICTURE SHOW, considering they just released this with NICKELODEON, at least Sony went to their archieves for some rarity this time.

I've been waiting patiently for decent SEs of both Five Easy Pieces and The King of Marvin Gardens, but there's no indication of extras...and that appears to be some hefty SRP doesn't it?

So many films, so little time...Film Journal BlogLt. Col. Thursday: Beaufort; no preliminary nonsense with him, no ceremonial phrasing. Straight from the shoulder as I tell you, do you hear me? They're recalcitrant swine and they must feel it...

Any release date? I too was first taken back on The Last Picture Show being part of the collection since it was just released two weeks ago, but then realized that all the films from the indi production company of BBS so it makes sense. I am looking forward to seeing both A Safe Place and Drive He Said as I have heard and read about these films, but never seen them. Thank you Sony.

"Get a director and a writer and leave them alone. That`s how the best pictures get made" - William "Wild Bill" Wellman

I think it's safe to say Sony is now the best studio out there. I watched DRIVE, HE SAID sometime last year and it wasn't too bad. I never thought it would get an official release and the same with A SAFE PLACE, which is a title I've been looking for but was never able to locate throughout any of the online sites that deal with rare movies. A major thumbs up for Sony.

It is a very weird film, almost like a dream, no real structure, basically "is Tuesday Weld dreaming or is this reality" sorta thing. Orson Welles plays a magician/father figure type, and Tuesday is absolutely wonderful (and beautiful) in the film.Wwonder how it will look for the one time I saw it, the film has a very hazy photography, which I am guessing was intentional.

I'm a little concerned about this release of HEAD. According to my source at Rhino, who are leasing the film back to Sony for this package, Rafelson is pulling a pre-HD William Friedkin trip and insisting on a 1.33 ratio for all his movies in the set, despite the fact that HEAD is clearly composed for 1.66, right down to the mattes visible in the old Rhino full-frame transfer. I hope this is just misinformation or that someone has talked him down.

It sounds pretty plausible. As I recall, his recent DTV outing ONE GOOD DEED with Samuel L. Jackson and Milla Jovovich was also presented on DVD in 1.33 despite getting limited theatrical play in 1.85.

"As I looked back over my life, I realized that I enjoyed nothing--not art, not sex--more than going to the movies." -- Gore Vidal

We'll have to see. I hope he's wrong. Although I could at least understand (not agree with) that position in the olden days of 4:3 TVs, I just don't see why a director would choose that in today's world of widescreen TVs. I tried finding more information on this set, and someone at Criterion Forum who apparently works for Sony stated " a lot of care has been put into the set -- including major new restorations! -- and it's nothing to scoff at." Right now I'm holding off judgement until the specs are released. • View topic - Criterion and Sony

Double (or more) dipping for THE LAST PICTURE SHOW is odd. I would hope that if they are intent on capturing the zeitgeist of the period, the would bring out a Warren Beatty collection: SHAMPOO: SE, , MICKEY ONE, ISHTAR, and THE FORTUNE.

Nice set! Good to see Sony still digging into their catalog while other studios seem to be slowing down. Like others, I really do not need Last Picture Show again. Just bought it again with Nickelodeon. They will probably also release it on Blu ray before too long.

[/QUOTE]It's funny, as that's not a statement you'll read in the TV DVD section right below here.

I remember reading well over a year ago that Sony was getting ready to gear up their catalog releases. TV was to follow a year after that. They certainly have ramped up on their catalog stuff, so perhaps TV is on the way.

Will Head finally be released in widescreen? The King of Marvin Gardens is quite a gem that is worth discovering, it's one of those films that somehow escaped a wide release anmd major acclaim, but has great performances you won't forget. But then, any film with Nicholson, Dern, and Burstyn in it is worth watching, especially when all three share the story!

Bring "The continuing story of PEYTON PLACE" home on DVD: the one that started it all- from Dallas and Dynasty to Desperate Housewives and Gossip Girl!!! Starting this May, see the legendary saga starring Mia Farrow, Ryan O'Neal, Barbara Parkins, and Oscar-winner Dorothy Malone on DVD thru...